Iran protests: At Least 16 Killed Amid Rising Unrest
at least 16 people have been killed during a week of unrest in Iran, local rights groups say, as protests over soaring inflation continue to spread across the country, prompting violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
Both state media and rights groups report deaths and arrests throughout the week, though figures differ.
Reuters has not independently verified these figures.
Social media footage shows cars ablaze outside a police station. (Reuters/social media)
These protests represent the largest unrest in three years. While smaller than previous demonstrations that challenged the Islamic Republic, they occur during a period of economic hardship and increasing international pressure.
US President Donald Trump threatened to support the protesters if they face violence,stating on Friday that “we are locked and loaded and ready to go” without detailing specific actions.
This warning triggered threats of retaliation against US forces in the region from senior Iranian officials. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared Iran “will not yield to the enemy”.
kurdish rights group Hengaw reports at least 17 deaths since the protests began.
HRANA, a network of rights activists, confirms at least 16 deaths and 582 arrests.